Public feedback will guide update to Will County’s Land Resource Management Plan
Will County is seeking public input as it kicks off its “Guide Will” planning initiative, which will update the county’s Land Resource Management Plan that shapes future land use and development decisions. The planning initiative will incorporate public feedback on a wide range of topics related to Will County’s future, including through an online survey, interactive map tools, and open house meetings.
The “Guide Will” initiative will be the first comprehensive update to the Will County Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) since 2002. The plan serves as the foundational guide for land use and development decisions by county leadership, with a priority-focus on unincorporated communities.
“Public engagement from residents throughout Will County is key to developing a plan that balances growth, development, and preservation priorities,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “With rapid growth and change occurring in our communities, this plan will serve as a critical blueprint to guide decisions on a wide variety of countywide topics. I encourage all residents to provide their feedback.”
The six primary topic areas being addressed include housing and development; economy and employment; agriculture and rural character; open space and environment; transportation and infrastructure; and regional coordination. The plan aims to identify county-wide goals around the topic areas while identifying opportunities for coordination with municipalities and other units of government.
The Will County Land Use Department will be hosting four Spring open houses for residents to learn more about the plan update and share their thoughts on growth and development in the county. The open houses are open to the public without registration at any time during the event window, with no formal presentation and interactive stations for engagement. Kid-friendly activities will be available for younger community members to imagine the future of Will County alongside their families.
Two open houses will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at Monee Township Hall (26121 S. Egyptian Trail, Monee) and Plainfield Township Hall (22525 W. Lockport Street). Two additional open houses will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 at Wilmington City Hall (1165 S. Water Street, Wilmington) and Nowell Park (199 Mills Road, Joliet).
“Ensuring that this plan reflects the communities we serve is a priority,” said Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne. “All Will County residents are invited to attend these open houses or to participate in the various interactive online engagement options to help shape the future of our communities.”
Will County residents and stakeholders are also invited to engage online with the plan update, including a visioning survey and an interactive comment map to pin ideas, priorities, and concerns. The map offers an opportunity to suggest areas that should be preserved, areas in need of improvement, and infrastructure gaps. The survey will close on June 4, 2026 and the interactive map will be open throughout the plan update.
Additional open houses are planned in Fall 2026 to share updates on the “Guide Will” process, including recommendations for the plan update. Will County residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates at guidewill.co for event announcements, engagement summaries, and project updates as they become available.
Will County residents can learn more, share their thoughts, or ask questions by visitingguidewill.co.
